Abdoulaye Doucoure has been tipped to reunite with his former Watford coach Marco Silva at Everton.
Everton decided against signing Watford midfielder Aboulaye Doucoure in January as they felt he was too expensive, according to France Football.
The French powerhouse has been heavily linked with a move to Goodison Park over the last few months with his former Hornets coach Marco Silva now in the dugout of the Merseyside giants.
And despite incessant speculation, Doucoure has got his head down and continued to impress for a Watford side well placed to secure a top ten finish under Javi Gracia. He has scored three goals in the Premier League this season, including a header in December’s 2-2 draw at Everton, while providing another six assists.
France Football believes that Everton were keen to bring Doucoure to the North West in January as a potential replacement for the PSG target Idrissa Gana Gueye.
But there is a rather simple reason why the former Rennes midfielder did not reunite with Silva and former Vicarage Road team-mate Richarlison at Everton. Because he was too expensive.
The Mirror claimed in November that Watford wanted at least £50 million for the Frenchman – a fee that would have required Everton to equal their transfer record.
Having said that, however, it is likely that they would have gone all out to sign Doucoure two months ago if Gueye had moved to PSG.
After all, the Senegal international’s exit would have seen the Toffees earn a substantial windfall, perhaps funding a big-money bid for one of the Premier League’s most underrated midfielders.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
